selgituslause

A selgituslause, often translated as an explanatory clause or phrase, is a grammatical element within a sentence that provides additional information or clarification about a preceding noun or pronoun. It serves to make the meaning of the sentence more precise or to offer details that are not essential to the core grammatical structure but are important for understanding.

These clauses are typically introduced by relative pronouns such as "kes" (who) or "mis" (which), or by conjunctions. They function by adding descriptive or identifying information that elaborates on the antecedent. For instance, in the sentence "Raamat, mis oli laual, oli väga vana," the clause "mis oli laual" is a selgituslause that specifies which book is being discussed. Without this clause, the sentence "Raamat oli väga vana" would still be grammatically correct but less informative.

Selgituslaused can be restrictive or non-restrictive. Restrictive clauses are essential for identifying the antecedent and cannot be removed without changing the fundamental meaning of the sentence. Non-restrictive clauses, on the other hand, provide extra, non-essential information and are often set off by commas. The primary purpose of a selgituslause is to enhance clarity and provide context, thereby enriching the overall communication.